voz
Lemma Details
Translation: voice; sound; tone; utterance; vote
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'vōx, vōcis', meaning 'voice, sound, utterance'. This Latin root also gave us English words like 'vocal', 'vocabulary', 'vocation', and 'invoke'. The connection between 'voice' and 'voz' is clear, with both preserving the core meaning of the Latin original.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Su voz es muy bonita cuando canta.
Her voice is very beautiful when she sings.
Habló en voz baja para no despertar al bebé.
He spoke in a low voice so as not to wake the baby.
La voz de la conciencia me dijo que era incorrecto.
The voice of conscience told me it was wrong.
Necesitamos dar voz a los que no pueden hablar por sí mismos.
We need to give voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'voz' as the sound that comes from your 'vocal' cords.
- Remember that 'voz' sounds like the beginning of 'vocal' in English.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish culture, 'voz' is not just about speaking but also about having influence or authority. The concept of 'tener voz y voto' (to have voice and vote) is important in Spanish-speaking societies, referring to having the right to express opinions and participate in decision-making.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Voz' means 'voice', while 'vez' means 'time' or 'occasion'. They look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Notes: These words are frequently confused by learners due to their similar spelling and pronunciation.
Mnemonic: 'Voz' has an 'o' like in 'vocal', while 'vez' has an 'e' like in 'event' or 'occasion'.
Explanation: 'Voz' means 'voice', while 'vos' is a second-person singular pronoun used in certain Latin American countries instead of 'tú'.
Confused word:
¿Vos querés ir al cine?
Do you want to go to the movies?
Notes: The pronoun 'vos' is particularly common in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and parts of Central America.
Mnemonic: 'Voz' ends with 'z' like 'buzz' (a sound), while 'vos' ends with 's' like 'us' (people).